Grant Fishbook, Lead Teaching Pastor
Habitual sin confirms that you have forgotten…
When dealing with habitual sin…
You don’t start with the ;
you start with the !
Isaiah 61:1–3
The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me,
because the LORD has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners,
2 to proclaim the year of the LORD’S favor
and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,
3 and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
instead of ashes,
the oil of joy
instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
a planting of the LORD
for the display of his splendor.
From Isaiah 61, Jesus is…
God, Hope, Healer, Liberator, Deliverer,
Messenger, Comforter, Transformer
When dealing with habitual sin…
You don’t start with who you are;
you start with who you are.
A moment of truth and transparency:
My besetting sin is.
In the face of my besetting sin, God says:
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.
Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be
burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
– Galatians 5:1
Small Group Questions
- Summarize your Christmas season in one word. Were you satisfied with your celebration of Jesus’ birth and if not, what would you change?
- Have you ever been trapped or felt trapped at any moment of your life? How did you manage to find freedom?
- Read Isaiah 61. Which of the declarations has God accomplished in your life? Share as many details as you are comfortable with regarding the work God has done and is doing in your life.
- Take some time and read Romans 6 and Romans 8. In these passages, who does Jesus say that you are? Write out the list. It’s worth it!
- This is your moment. What is your besetting sin? (If this is a group setting, only share what you feel God wants you to share.)
- How can we pray for you right now and throughout the week?